by Sandy Hemphill

Created on: September 15, 2007

"Arrggghhhh! 'Tis an international holiday abrewin' on the high seas, lass!"

At least that's what the cover page of the invitation said, anyway. There was more inside:

"The most celebrated of all the days durin' the dreaded hurricane season is a blowin' in our winds. Ye'll be the wise one only if ye're also the prepared one.

"So beware!

"It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day a'comin' round in these here parts on September 19. Git out yer favorite parrot, poke out an eye (but only one!), and strap on that pretty peg. Pour y'self some grog with those Cheerios!

"An' speak the language o' the Seven Seas at every opportunity that comes yer way. There's no tellin' when you'll end up in Davy Jones' locker, nary a soul with which to speak.

Consider y'self forewarned!"

Who could possibly resist an invitation to a party that starts like this?

On an interesting twist to the "tasting" type of party, this was a rum tasting, scheduled to coincide with the frivolous, frolicking, fun Talk Like A Pirate Day, dreamed up a while back by two guys from Florida.

Donned in the best pirate garb; serenaded by island music; and feasting on Caribbean-inspired dishes featuring lots of seafood, fresh tropical fruits, and pungent spices, guests enjoyed an array of rums that touched on more island paradises than a Carnival cruise ship.

Some of the favorites:

Puerto Rico Traditionally light and dry, PR rum is very consistent in flavor and style from one year to the next.

Virgin Islands Also light and dry but with a hint of molasses.

Barbados Has a soft finish and gentle aftertaste, reminiscent of a sunset over calm ocean waters.

Cuba The King of Caribbean rums but dang near impossible to find, thanks to politics and troubles such as that. Try it if you can ever get your hands on it.

Demerara Named after the Demerara River in Guiana, this dark rum, robust in both color and flavor, is what is known and loved for its equally robust 151 proof.

Haiti Medium bodied and mellow, much like a nice brandy.

Martinique The aged, heavy-bodied rum from this exotic island is highly prized by connoisseurs as a special treat best savored by slow and leisurely sipping.

Jamaica Considered the rum-lover's rum, mon, this is a rich, dark, heavy-bodied rum with a pungent aftertaste that lingers on the palate just like the island's music lingers in the heart.

Trinidad Delightfully delicious light rum, refreshing as a tropical breeze when poured over ice in a tall glass filled with club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime.

So, yo! Ho! Ho! The next time yer cravin' a touch o' the tropics, lass (an' laddies, too!), just pick your island destination and grab a bottle of rum.

And don't forget to talk like a pirate. Especially on September 19!

Arrggghhhh! That's good!

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